WO2003094139A1 - Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device - Google Patents
Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003094139A1 WO2003094139A1 PCT/US2003/012119 US0312119W WO03094139A1 WO 2003094139 A1 WO2003094139 A1 WO 2003094139A1 US 0312119 W US0312119 W US 0312119W WO 03094139 A1 WO03094139 A1 WO 03094139A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pointing device
- computer
- cone
- buttons
- palm
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
- G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
- G06F2203/0334—Ergonomic shaped mouse for vertical grip, whereby the hand controlling the mouse is resting or gripping it with an attitude almost vertical with respect of the working surface
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to computer pointing devices, specifically to an ergonomically shaped computer mouse.
- the mouse is a common computer pointing device that allows the user to move the cursor on a computer screen by moving the pointing device on a surface, momentarily click one of the buttons for effecting certain programmed command, click and hold one of the buttons for certain dragging operations, and turn an optional scroll wheel for conveniently scrolling certain windows.
- the present invention provides superior ergonomic features over the prior art ergonomic mice by providing full support for all fingers, inner palm surface, and bottom palm surface, with fingers in their naturally curled positions.
- the invention also allows easy lifting by the combined hooking action of the thumb and index finger.
- buttons and scroll wheel are designed with protrusions from the general surface, such that they are contacted by the inner finger joint surfaces, instead of the surfaces of the finger tips in prior art.
- the invention allows the fingers an inward hooking motion towards the palm.
- the invention allows the thumb or other fingers to turn the scroll wheel with a sideway rubbing action of the inside of the joint.
- the invention allows the little finger and the base of the palm to be comfortably half resting on the work surface and half pressed against the base of the device.
- the invention provides flexible fitting to a wide range of hand or palm sizes.
- the salient features of the shape include: 1) A near oval base with the long axis of the oval in general alignment with the direction of the forearm, 2) A cone rising above the base that fits the palm when held, 3) A top tip that tilts towards the front, 4) Buttons and scroll wheel that are located conveniently close to the joints of the user's fingers.
- the shape promotes ergonomic computer pointing operations, in ways including: 1) allowing the hand to maintain a natural upright position, 2) allowing all five fingers to be naturally curved inward while the whole palm is holding the device, 3) allowing the little finger and the base of the palm to be half resting on the work surface and half pressed against the base of the device, 4) effecting button-clicking and scroll-wheel-turning by the outermost joints of the thumb and fingers, 5) the thumb turning the scroll wheel with a sideway rubbing action of the inside of the knuckle, 6) clicking the buttons and turning the scroll wheel promoting an inward hooking of the fingers towards the palm, 7) easy lifting by a natural hooking-hold by the thumb and the index finger, 8) flexible fitting and support for all five fingers and the palm surfaces for a wide range of hand or palm sizes.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- FIG. 2 is a left side view of the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- FIG. 3 shows a hand holding the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- FIG. 4 is a right side view of hand holding the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of hand holding the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- FIG. 6 is a right side view of a mirrored version of the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device for left hand operation.
- FIG. 7 is a front view of a mirrored version of the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device for left hand operation.
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device.
- the ergonomically shaped computer pointing device incorporating the present invention is shown at various angles and with or without showing the operator's hand from FIG. 1 to FIG. 8.
- Electrical functions of the invention as a computer pointing device is the same as those of the modern-day computer mouse, which allows the user to move the cursor on the monitor or display (not shown), turn the scroll wheel, and click the various buttons as necessary actions for interacting with the computer; and hence, it is not necessary to describe these electrical aspects.
- Pointing device 101 is shown as a right-handed version and 113 is shown as a left-handed version. It is also very feasible to design a version that is ambidextrous. That is, a design that can be used by either hand.
- Scroll wheel 102 located near the neck of the pointing device on the left side, is to be operated by the thumb using the inner joint 108 as contact and rubbing area. The thumb moves in a sideway motion for rotating the scroll wheel.
- Buttons 103 and 104 located along the left side of the pointing device, are designed to be operated by the thumb's inner joint 108 in a pressing action. Button 104 is optional in a simplified design. The locations of scroll wheel 102 and buttons 103 and 104 may be swapped in different embodiments.
- Buttons 105 and 106 are located on the front side of the pointing device, possibly slightly away from the center line for convenient right hand (or respectively, left hand) operation.
- Buttons 105 and 106 are optional in a simplified design.
- Electrical cord 112 connects the pointing device to the computing system, be it a personal computer or a gaming console or any other electronic device that can utilize a pointing device input.
- the cord 112 is not present and its function is substituted by a radio wave, optical, sonic, or any other feasible interface medium.
- the tip of the pointing device is designed to be tilting forward for its function, allowing easy grip and lifting by the gripping hand, and its form. It is also feasible to vary the shape of the tip, for example like a mushroom head without sacrificing the utility of the pointing device.
- the base 116 seen from bottom view as shown in FIG. 8 of the pointing device, is approximately an oval shape with its long axis in line with the direction of the forearm. More precisely speaking, the shape is a pear-like shape with the smaller end at the front side. 117 is an approximate location at the bottom 116 of the pointing device where a moving ball or an optical sensor can be placed for sensing the X-Y movement.
- Base edge 107 allows intimate contact to the little finger and the base of the palm, while allowing the little finger and the base of the palm to be contacting and sliding against the work surface at the same time. The hand, including the palm and the fingers, comfortably contacts the pointing device completely as shown in FIG. 3.
- Contact area 110 is the contacting area between the pointing device and the U-shape formed by the thumb and the index finger. 108 is the center region of contact between the thumb and the pointing device. Contact area 107 is for the little finger and the base of the palm. The whole inner palm, not shown in the figures, is also in general contact with the pointing device surface. This is a very natural upright and ergonomic position for the hand and the forearm. The main conic surface of the pointing device is forward tilting by approximately 20 to 45 degrees from an absolute upright position with respect to the base 116. The profile is clearly shown by FIG. 1 in a front view and FIG. 2 in a side view. FIG. 5 shows a top view.
- FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a left-handed embodiment, with mirrored placement of the buttons, such as 114, and the scroll wheel 115. It is entirely feasible to design an embodiment that is ambidextrous. For example, one can make the scroll wheel to be swappable, or have two scroll wheels with one on each side.
- the ergonomic aspects of the pointing device include 1) allowing the hand to maintain a natural upright position throughout the operation, 2) allowing all five fingers to be naturally curved inward while the whole palm is holding the device, 3) allowing the little finger and the base of the palm to be half resting on the work surface and half pressed against the base of the device, 4) allowing activation of the buttons and the scroll wheel by the user pressing the first joints of the thumb and fingers instead of the finger tips, 5) activation of the buttons and the scroll wheel promotes an inward hooking of the fingers towards the palm, 6) fitting a wide range of hand or palm sizes.
- the X-Y movement of the cursor in the computing device is effected by either a standard rolling ball 117 or an optical or gyroscopic sensor 117A that is mounted in the bottom or interior of the pointing device.
- the -hand effects the X-Y movement while holding the pointing device in a natural and nearly upright position. This is an easy- to-adopt style of operation after an initial familiarization step.
- the pointing device it is also possible to implement the pointing device as a wireless input device that allows the user to effect X-Y movement in the free air and without the need to move against a surface.
- a gyroscope for translating left-right rotation to X- movement and front-back rotation to Y-movement.
- Extra buttons and scrolling-wheel can be attached to the pointing device for auxiliary usage.
- the scrolling-wheel can be in front of the pointing device for scrolling with the index finger or middle finger.
- Another embodiment is a QWERT keyboard that consists of one or a pair of pointing device handles on which the keys are arranged such that fingers type on them while keeping the hand in a natural upright position.
- a further embodiment is a combination of such keyboard and a pointing device of the invention.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004502274A JP2005524897A (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-05-02 | Ergonomic computer pointing device |
AU2003221719A AU2003221719A1 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-05-02 | Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device |
EP03718456A EP1500073A4 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-05-02 | Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US37687702P | 2002-05-02 | 2002-05-02 | |
US60/376,877 | 2002-05-02 | ||
US10/411,287 | 2003-04-11 | ||
US10/411,287 US6954198B2 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-04-11 | Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003094139A1 true WO2003094139A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
Family
ID=29273077
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/012119 WO2003094139A1 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-05-02 | Ergonomically shaped computer pointing device |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6954198B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1500073A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005524897A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1656527A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003221719A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI291120B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003094139A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2003224982A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2003-10-27 | Fritz H. Obermeyer | Multi-axis joystick and transducer means therefore |
JP2004029865A (en) * | 2002-06-03 | 2004-01-29 | Kokuyo Co Ltd | Mouse |
JP4794801B2 (en) * | 2002-10-03 | 2011-10-19 | ルネサスエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Display device for portable electronic device |
NL1022328C2 (en) * | 2003-01-08 | 2004-07-09 | Tensor B V | Operating device for a computer. |
US20090213068A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2009-08-27 | Humanscale Corporation | Ergonomic Pointing Device |
AT7780U1 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2005-08-25 | Stefan Krichbaum | COMPUTER MOUSE |
US7773074B2 (en) * | 2005-06-28 | 2010-08-10 | Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. | Medical diagnostic imaging three dimensional navigation device and methods |
US9098122B2 (en) * | 2007-12-12 | 2015-08-04 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Computer input device with inertial instruments |
DE102008017832B4 (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2011-06-16 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Input device for controlling elements of graphic user interfaces |
TWI361992B (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2012-04-11 | Avermedia Information Inc | Wireless control device and multi-cursor control method |
US9092073B1 (en) * | 2010-05-11 | 2015-07-28 | Contour Design, Inc. | Adjustable pointing device |
US9785256B2 (en) * | 2015-02-16 | 2017-10-10 | Ming Xia | Ergonomic computer mouse with handheld and ambidextrous body design |
WO2018175054A1 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-27 | Ko Tony Chun Te | Single finger multiple finger segments triggering mechanism |
US10088918B1 (en) * | 2017-05-07 | 2018-10-02 | Jack Lo | Ergonomic computer mouse |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5576733A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1996-11-19 | Lo; Jack | Ergonomic computer mouse |
US6128006A (en) * | 1998-03-26 | 2000-10-03 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse wheel and other control wheels |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5440326A (en) * | 1990-03-21 | 1995-08-08 | Gyration, Inc. | Gyroscopic pointer |
US5648798A (en) * | 1995-02-13 | 1997-07-15 | Hamling; Daniel T. | Universal ergonomic computer mouse/trackball |
US5894303A (en) * | 1995-03-14 | 1999-04-13 | Barr; Ann E. | Computer mouse and shell therefore |
US6362811B1 (en) | 1996-02-20 | 2002-03-26 | George Neil Edwards | Ergonomic computer mouse |
US6577298B2 (en) * | 1996-08-01 | 2003-06-10 | Gabriel Wergeland Krog | Device for operating a mouse-operated computer program |
AU7099696A (en) * | 1996-08-01 | 1998-02-25 | Gabriel Wergeland Krog | Device for operating of a mouse-operated data program |
FR2767397B3 (en) * | 1997-08-18 | 1999-07-23 | Kuo Shu Cheng | MULTI-AXIS SIGNAL INPUT DEVICE OF A MOUSE |
US6072471A (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 2000-06-06 | Lo; Jack | Ambidextrous upright computer mouse |
US6396479B2 (en) | 1998-07-31 | 2002-05-28 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | Ergonomic computer mouse |
DE19901861A1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2000-07-20 | Ulrich Schmidt | Computer mouse has rearward declining lateral grip surface of housing with essentially shape of at least one section of spherical casing with apex angle of no greater than 40 degrees. |
US6262715B1 (en) * | 1999-02-05 | 2001-07-17 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Ergonomic computer mouse |
US6377245B1 (en) * | 1999-09-02 | 2002-04-23 | Chin K. Park | Ultimate ergonomic mouse |
EP1182606A2 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2002-02-27 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) | Four axis optical mouse |
-
2003
- 2003-04-11 US US10/411,287 patent/US6954198B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-05-02 WO PCT/US2003/012119 patent/WO2003094139A1/en active Application Filing
- 2003-05-02 TW TW092112108A patent/TWI291120B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-05-02 EP EP03718456A patent/EP1500073A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-05-02 AU AU2003221719A patent/AU2003221719A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-02 CN CNA038098938A patent/CN1656527A/en active Pending
- 2003-05-02 JP JP2004502274A patent/JP2005524897A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5576733A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1996-11-19 | Lo; Jack | Ergonomic computer mouse |
US6128006A (en) * | 1998-03-26 | 2000-10-03 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse wheel and other control wheels |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6954198B2 (en) | 2005-10-11 |
EP1500073A4 (en) | 2008-10-01 |
JP2005524897A (en) | 2005-08-18 |
TW200400458A (en) | 2004-01-01 |
CN1656527A (en) | 2005-08-17 |
US20030206152A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
TWI291120B (en) | 2007-12-11 |
EP1500073A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 |
AU2003221719A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
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